When I still attended St. Andrews Parish United Methodist Church, I was a member of the youth praise band. The band started with the most rock-n-roll of names: "Youth Praise Band." This small group eventually transformed into the 6-member group known affectionately as "4½ Dudes." Finally, after a single performance, the band was renamed "Basilica." This name was chosen for (officially) its significance in the history of the Christian church and (unofficially) the semblance to Metallica. Indeed, the name was probably too metal for the group it represented, but it served the band well for several years.

When I arrived at Cokesbury, several members of Basilica followed, leaving the remaining members of the group to inexplicably rename themselves "Purple Dog." I don't understand it, but to each their own. The members who arrived at Cokesbury decided to form a newer band, featuring more heavy and electrified music. The new band's name: "Righteous Indignation"

Like Basilica's before it, Righteous Indignation's logo was designed by yours truly. For this logo design, I wanted the text to be easily visible but unclean; a teenage rock band should not have a well-polished logo like the one I designed for the church at large. The colors are loud, the text is vibrant, and (to appease Joshua) a cross is featured prominently.

It may not be the most elegant logo or the most enduring word mark, but it should serve the group well for now. Comments and criticism are appreciated.

Update (June 1): For comparison, the logo of "Basilica" been added.

Designing a identity for any project is a difficult undertaking. The design must be simple, yet eye catching. It must instantly communicate its meaning without seeming simplistic or childish. Most importantly, the symbol must succinctly capture the spirit of the organization. Failing to complete any one of these goals leaves the branding weak and ineffective.

When trying to find a brand for this website, for instance, I worked to balance these goals. The "W" logo, in my opinion, uses its simple lines and strict symmetry to catch the eye. It still retains the shape of the letterform while being easily recognizable as a unique symbol. Despite a basic appearance, a lot of thought went into its design. And when it comes right down to it, the amount of thought required for a personal logo is trivial compared to one that would represent hundred of people and seen by thousands more.

That is the problem which I was given. I was tasked with developing a new identity for Cokesbury United Methodist Church. The old one consisted of the denomination's cross and flame logo to the left of the church's name in the somewhat overused "Papyrus" font. For the redesign, I tried to follow the same principles I used on my personal logo: a simple, yet distinctive line drawing. The design, which I presented to the pastor and associate pastor, uses the church's stained glass windows as an inspiration. A series of criss-crossing lines compose the body of the image. From a graphic and illustrative standpoint, it is simple. However, on a more symbolic plane, the uses of a window are limitless.

I know that this discussion seems premature, as I do not yet have the ability to display the new logo and word-mark on this site. Once I obtain that permission though, this thought will be a couple of steps closer to completion. It is my hope that the rebranding, so to speak, will be more publicly unveiled in the coming weeks.

Update (May 14, 2009): Thanks to the expert legal advice from commenters, I have decided to bite the bullet and post both the old and new identities.